Naseem Hijazi's "Shaheen" (English Translation)

Chapter 6: Realization of Rabia's Dream

(1)

Badr Bin Mughira and Bashir Bin Hassan spent most part of Friday in Abu Dawood's company. By talking to them Abu Dawood was satisfied that they would be spending the night in this fort but what surprised him was the fact that most of the soldiers in the fort had suddenly disappeared.

In the afternoon, when he was having lunch with Badr and Bashir, he said, "The number of soldiers in the fort has reduced. I believe when you're here, there should be proper security for you."

Bashir replied casually, "We never felt the need of soldiers to protect us."

"I don't doubt your bravery but there should even be a great number of troops to guard this fort. Even if there is no danger of the Christians attacking suddenly you should be cautious."

Badr Bin Mughira replied, "Don't worry. You will find enough troops to deal with the danger should the need arise. My stay in this fort is merely temporary. Tomorrow you will leave for Granada and I, God-willing, will be in my forest and mountains."

"So, I believe that is why you asked your soldiers to move out a couple of days beforehand."

"Yes, they were useless here."

After this, various other topics came under discussion.

After Maghrib prayers, when these people were leaving the mosque, a horseman galloped into the fort and stopped at door of the mosque. Seeing Badr Bin Mughira he dismounted his horse and advanced swiftly towards him.

Without waiting for him, Badr Bin Mughira asked, "Hope everything is okay? You looked worried."

The soldier replied, "The King's brother and a few officers of Granada's army had come to see you and instead of waiting for you at your residence, they are headed straight this way."

"How far are they from here?"

"They are about 8 to 10 miles away from here. They said that they would be having dinner with you."

Badr Bin Mughira turned his attention to Bashir Bin Hassan and said, "Make preparations for their boarding and lodging. I will go to receive them."

After a while when Badr Bin Mughira was galloping his horse out of the fort Abu Dawood quickly paced toward his room. He strolled about his room in deep thought. Then, opening the middle door and peeping into Maria's room he said, "Maria, please come here."

When Maria go up from her chair and entered the room, he quickly shut the door.

Rabia and Angela started looking at each other. Rabia whispered, "Angela! Father has been upset since morning."

Angela looked at Rabia with meaningful glances and replied, "His tension could be because of tomorrow's arduous journey, but to me, you look more worried than him. When we started from Castile to Granada, you were very happy but now it seems that you like this deserted fort more than Granada."

"I love Granada. I am worried that Father might change his mind about going to Granada tomorrow."

"You know that Father won't change his plan about going to Granada. The Frontier Falcon has ordered a new coach for us from Granada. The reason for your concern is something else. Rabia, you cannot hide what's in your heart from me. Tell me honestly. Aren't you sad that the Frontier Falcon's habitat would be very far from Granada?"

Rabia's face lit up with red and white waves of bashfulness. She could not give any reply to Angela. Angela said again,"Rabia, we both are in the same boat but when I take Bashir Bin Hassan's name you scold me and your condition is such that by the mere imagination of departure from this place your face dries up. Tell me honestly are you not fond of the Frontier Falcon?"